University of Connecticut Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Assistant Director of Development, Operations
- Email:
Gillian Penna joined the Foundation and Athletics Development staff in January of 2026.
Previously, Penna served as a Development Assistant with Special Olympics Connecticut. In this role, she worked closely with the corporate partnerships, major gifts, and special events teams, supporting a variety of fundraising initiatives and fostering strong relationships with donors and community partners. She also gained valuable experience as an Event Coordinator with Stoll Enterprises, contributing to the planning and execution of fundraising events.
Prior to her work in development, Penna was a Graduate Assistant at Southern Connecticut State University, where she worked with the Associate Athletic Director for Fiscal Affairs. In this position, she supported athletic operations and financial processes, gaining a strong foundation in collegiate athletics administration.
Penna graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science and went on to earn her Master of Science in Athletic Administration in 2025. During her time as a student-athlete, she was a heptathlete on the track & field team and a multi-year team captain, demonstrating leadership and dedication throughout her collegiate career.
Following her collegiate career, Penna remained involved in the sport by coaching in an AAU track & field league and returned to her Southern CT State as a multis & jumps coach, working alongside her former head coaches to support the development of student-athletes.
A native of Connecticut’s central shoreline area, Penna is an avid beachgoer and enjoys spending time along the coast.
